TempoLife › Features › E-number additive encyclopedia › e400
Alginic acid (E400)
Alginic acid is a thickener used in ice cream, desserts, sauces.. EFSA has published no numeric acceptable daily intake for it.
What it does
From brown seaweed.
Where you meet it
Ice cream, desserts, sauces.
This page describes the general scientific position. Allergies and sensitivities are individual: if your body disagrees with an additive, avoid it regardless of any ADI.
Sources: EFSA — food additives re-evaluations · Open Food Facts — additives taxonomy · checked 2026-09-03
Frequently asked questions
What is Alginic acid (E400)?
Thickener. From brown seaweed. It is used in Ice cream, desserts, sauces.
How much alginic acid is safe?
EFSA published no numeric ADI, which usually means the substance is so benign that no limit needed to be set — or that intake is self-limiting. The assessment itself is still a full safety evaluation.
Should I avoid alginic acid?
For a healthy adult there is no reason to avoid it at typical intakes. If you have a diagnosed sensitivity or a health condition, your clinician's advice is the one that counts.
E100 · Curcumin
Colour (yellow)
E101 · Riboflavin (vitamin B2)
Colour (yellow)
E102 · Tartrazine
Colour (yellow)
E104 · Quinoline yellow
Colour (yellow-green)
E110 · Sunset yellow FCF
Colour (orange)
E120 · Carmine / cochineal
Colour (red)
Label-literate and hungry
TempoLife turns the reading habit into a food plan: what you eat, how much, and where it leaves your day.